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Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Heb 13:2 (NASB)

Obviously this verse is talking about instances when men have spoken and interacted with God’s angelic messengers, such as the instance when Lot interacted with the judging angels sent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. These events probably happen even today, and when they happen they are seldom identified by the individuals who experience them for whatever reason. When most people read this verse, it is these types of events that usually come to mind. However, I believe there is another application of this verse that you may not see.

The term angel is sometimes used in Scripture as a metaphor for God’s messenger. God often uses normal everyday humans to be His carefully prepared messenger in various circumstances. And I believe God often places these messengers in strategic places and at strategic times to bring about His divine will. All too often, though, I fear we look past these chosen vessels of God looking for our own versions, ending up with a lot of teachers “tickling itching ears.” Scripture warns us that the day is coming when God’s message will not be heard:

“…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”

2 Tim 4:2-4 (NASB)

The messengers of God seldom received standing ovations, and they were seldom welcomed with open arms to those to whom God sent them. Their message is often resisted, because man does not want to be told by God that they are “rebellious.”

“As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them…speak My words to them.”Ezek 2:5,7 (NASB)

I often wonder when God uses more ordinary men to preach the Gospel, who call sin, sin, why it is that God’s people so viciously attack His messenger? I see this more and more these days, especially in light of our psychologized society. People today do not want to be called sinners, they want to be told they are sick and it is not their fault. Liars are not liars today, they are told they have compulsive liar syndrome; drunkards want to be told they are Dipsomaniac, and it is not their fault and not sin they have an illness. On the subject of adultery, one web page states, “One type of affair, “I Can’t Say NO!” is characterized by addictive tendencies. Infidelity (as well as pornography, strip clubs, online chatting, compulsive masturbation, etc.) may be a part of the sexual addiction (http://abusesanctuary.blogspot.com/2006/10/adultery-as-sexual-addiction-should.html).”

Stand up as God’s messenger and call sin, sin, and you will find you have few friends. One thing is certain, you will not be on the short list with many pulpit committees! But if you are called of God, speak God’s words to them, whether they listen or not!